College and Career Counseling:
- Is it really free?
Yes, and it will stay that way. It was created specifically for Indiana students by IYI, funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
- Will the site be around after the grant period?
The web program will remain operational after the grant period is over. The main cost was to create and build the program and make the enhancements that have been implemented over the past few years.
- What grade levels should use Drive of Your Life? It was created for Middle School students, but students from 5th grade through high school have found it very helpful in their career education units.
- Who should use Trip To College?
The site is designed for all Indiana parents and high school students. Start planning early and get familiar with the terms, so you are in the know.
- Do you promote one college over another?
NO, Trip To College is an objective information source for students and parents to use while planning for their post-high school education.
- How often is the college information updated?
Colleges are contacted twice a year to send updates for the site.
Consulting Services:
- How many times can I call you?
Currently there is no limit to how many times an agency can contact us for assistance. You might call our Helpline, work with a consultant, borrow a resource from the library, and attend a training — all in one year.
- How do I qualify for your services?
Any youth serving not for profit agency in Indiana can make use of our subsidized services. We do have some programs for agencies or projects that do not meet these criteria.
- Who are the consultants?
We have about 54 skilled consultants around the state. They have a wide variety of skill sets but all are highly qualified and have extensive experience in their area of expertise. We do not release the names and contact information for our consultants.
- Is there anything you don’t do?
We do not write grants or ask for funding for our clients. We can help with prospect research to identify potential funders, help create a development plan or campaign plan and even review a proposal you have written before you submit it to a funder.
- What’s the catch?
There is no catch! Because of the generous support of our funders we can offer extraordinary support to not for profit, youth serving agencies throughout Indiana at a fraction of the market rate.
Custom Solutions
- What does the evaluation service cost for these big projects?
That depends on the project! Generally speaking, we have found they average about 10%-12% of a yearly program budget, but it could be less or it could be more, depending on factors such as number of participants, type of program, or evaluation requirements of the funder or RFP.
- I’m writing a proposal for a grant and it requires an evaluation plan. Can you help with that?
Yes! IYI has done this many times. We write an evaluation plan that includes a narrative, an action plan, and a detailed budget, all tailored to your program. We do this through our consulting services at a rate of $30/hr. An average plan development project like this runs about 20 hours.
- If I get a grant and didn’t originally include IYI as the evaluator, will you still work with us?
Yes! We will meet with you to determine your needs and then build an evaluation that fits into the resources allocated. This does sometimes make it more challenging, but we are flexible and will work with you to find a solution.
- Who is the person that will actually work on my project?
IYI has a deep bench of professional, experienced, committed, and qualified consultants located throughout Indiana. Every consultant who works on a large scale evaluation project has a minimum of a Master’s Degree, while many have Doctoral degrees. Our consultants are open and approachable and strive to be your partners in the project. Consultants are assigned based on experience, geographical location, and being the “right fit” for a particular project.
— back to top —
Professional Development Grants
- What if the conference registration fee and expenses cost more than $750?
If the conference expenses cost more than $750, you must find another funding source to cover the balance over $750. Regardless of which expenses are listed on the application, the total grant will not exceed $750.
- What if the 10th of the month falls on a day when the post office is closed?
It is wise to plan ahead in this situation, but in the event that the 10th of the month falls on a Sunday or government holiday, applications postmarked by the 11th will be accepted.
- When and how will I be notified of my award status?
Notification letters are mailed on or about the 1st of the month following the month in which you submitted your application. For example, if you apply on February 10th, you can expect a response on or about March 1st. ALL applicants receive a letter, regardless of the outcome. If you have been selected to receive a grant, you will receive the check made payable to your organization shortly following the award letter.
- What if I am not selected to receive a grant? Can I reapply?
If you do not receive a grant, you are welcome to reapply as long as the conference occurs after the decision date for the new application. If you do consider reapplying for the same conference, we recommend taking time to revise the application before resubmitting it. You are also welcome to reapply for a different conference at any time.
- How many Professional Development Grants can I receive per year?
Individuals are eligible to receive one Professional Development Grant per fiscal year. IYI’s fiscal year runs from July 1 – June 30. Keep in mind that if you apply for and receive a Professional Development Grant of less than $750, you cannot re-apply for the remainder of the $750. Also, please note that if the organization has been awarded an IYI Staff Training Grant during the fiscal year, no individual Professional Development Grants will be awarded to the organization (and vice versa) during that same fiscal year.
- Can more than one person from my organization apply for a Professional Development Grant?
Up to three individuals from one organization may receive Professional Development Grants per fiscal year. Because the Professional Development Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, each individual must submit a complete and original application packet, even if attending the same conference or training. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits, so there is no guarantee that everyone who applies from the same organization will receive a grant.
- What if I receive a grant but can’t attend the conference?
If you cannot attend the event for which you received a grant, you must notify IYI and return the Professional Development Grant. The grant may not be transferred to anyone nor may it be applied to a conference or training other than the one for which the grant was awarded.
— back to top —
General Questions
- How were you created?
IYI was Established in 1988 with strong support from Lilly Endowment. Check out our history page for more information.
- How are you funded?
We depend on individual, foundation, and corporate donors to support our work so that we can keep these resources coming. We gratefully receive donations from anyone wishing to promote the healthy development of children and youth in Indiana.
- What's the catch?
There is no catch! Our funding allows us to offer programs for free or very low cost, allowing youth organizations that are often on tight budgets to save money that can be used instead for their services to youth.
- Are there organizations similar to IYI in other states?
IYI is one of the few statewide organizations in the country dedicated to strengthening the skills of youth workers and building the capacity of their youth-serving organizations. Our programs are used as models throughout the U.S.
Indiana Youth Investment Awards
- Are Youth Investment Awards a grant?
No, Youth Investment Awards are not grants. Youth Investment Awards celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding youth-serving organizations in Indiana.
- We applied last year but did not win one of the awards. Can we reapply?
Absolutely. Just make sure you are using the current year’s application as it may be a little different than last year’s. Check the Indiana Youth Investment Award page for more information.
- How do we nominate an organization for the award?
Beginning this year, we are no longer accepting nominations. Organizations must submit thier own application.
- We applied for the award, but were not selected. Can you tell us why?
Given the large number of applicants, IYI does not provide individualized feedback.
Kids Count in Indiana Conference
- Can I apply for a Professional Development Grant (PDG) to attend the Kids Count Conference?
No, PDGs cannot be used for IYI-sponsored events.
- Who should I contact if I have problems registering or want more information on the conference?
Please e-mail the conference team at conference@iyi.org.
Trainings
- Are there scholarships available to attend IYI trainings?
No, scholarships are not available from IYI for IYI-sponsored trainings. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, IYI offers these trainings at a dramatically reduced cost to participants.
- Can I get continuing education (CE) credits for attending an IYI training?
Yes, a variety of CE options and Continuing Renewal Units (CRUs) are offered at no charge to training attendees. Please check the Upcoming IYI Trainings page for current offerings.
- How can I recommend a trainer or training to IYI?
Recommendations can be e-mailed to trainings@iyi.org. Please note that trainings are planned 12-18 months in advance.
- Will I be able to register at the training?
Pre-registration is preferred, but onsite registrations are taken if space is available.
- Can I use a purchase order number to register online?
Yes, our system will allow you to enter a PO number.
— back to top —
Weekly Update
- How do I submit my event or announcement to be included in the Weekly Update?
We do not formally accept submissions, but you can send your information to iyi@iyi.org for review. Information we include must be pertinent to youth workers throughtout the state of Indiana. Submission does not guarantee your information will be included. If you have information that is regional in nature, contact the IYI Field Staff representative in your area.
- I am signed up for the IYI Weekly Update, but I am not receiving it.
First, make sure the Weekly Update is not being blocked by your spam filter, or being directed to your junk mail folder. There are many types of spam filters so you will have to check on how to do this individually. If you still are not receiving it, please contact us at weekly_updates@iyi.org.
Please call us if your question is not answered here! 1-800-343-7060.